Associate Flight Assurance Manufacturing Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Flight Assurance Manufacturing Engineer to support AST SpaceMobile as they build the first and only global cellular broadband network in space. This network is to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. AST's engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

The Associate Flight Assurance Engineer will assist in developing, evaluating, and improving mission assurance processes and practices to ensure product reliability, compliance, and quality throughout the lifecycle of space systems and components. This role supports design, manufacturing, and test activities to ensure the safety, functionality, and performance of flight hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new product concepts and designs for reliability, safety, and compliance with mission assurance standards; provide recommendations to Engineering and Program teams.
• Develop and implement mission assurance methods and processes to meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements while supporting program schedules and cost objectives.
• Conduct risk assessments, failure mode analyses, and proof-of-concept studies to validate design integrity and operational readiness.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation, including assurance plans, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance reports.
• Continuously improve mission assurance practices using industry standards and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, FRACAS, Six Sigma) to enhance reliability and reduce risk.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions for anomalies in design, manufacturing, or test phases.
• Participate in or lead initiatives related to safety, quality improvement, and process optimization.
• Ensure qualification and verification of new or modified products through rigorous assurance processes to completion.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline OR 8 years of equivalent experience.

Experience

• 0–3 years in flight/mission assurance, quality engineering, or reliability engineering within aerospace or manufacturing environments.
• Proficient with MS Office and familiarity with tools for risk analysis and reliability modeling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of quality standards (AS9100, NASA/DoD requirements), risk management processes, and mission assurance methodologies.
• Experience with reliability analysis tools or systems engineering tools.
• Exposure to aerospace hardware development, testing, or manufacturing environments.

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports and assurance documentation.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven capability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented, analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.

Technology Stack

• MS Office Suite
• Risk and reliability analysis tools (e.g., FMEA software, reliability modeling tools)
• PLM or document control systems (e.g., Windchill, Arena)
• Data analysis or visualization tools (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a standard office environment.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional support in lab or manufacturing environments may be required.

Salary

• $85,000 *depending on experience*

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Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, mission assurance, flight assurance, quality engineering, reliability engineering, aerospace hardware, satellite manufacturing, low-Earth orbit, BlueBird satellites, risk analysis, FMEA, FRACAS, root cause analysis, anomaly investigation, compliance standards, AS9100, NASA standards, DoD requirements, Six Sigma, reliability modeling, risk mitigation, assurance documentation, verification testing, qualification processes, manufacturability assessment, proof-of-concept studies, safety standards, regulatory compliance, process optimization, corrective actions, cleanroom operations, technical reporting, MS Office proficiency, PLM systems, Windchill, Arena, data analysis tools, visualization tools, proactive mindset, adaptability, fast-paced environment, high-pressure environment, team collaboration, problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, multi-tasking, project management, technical communication, attention to detail, continuous improvement, space-based broadband, 4G/5G connectivity, AT&T partnership, Verizon partnership, Department of Defense support, new space industry, satellite production scaling, global connectivity, broadband innovation, reliability assurance, quality improvement initiatives, mission-critical hardware, engineering recommendations, operational readiness, documentation management, risk management processes, relocation to Midland TX, long work hours, energetic personality, career advancement opportunities, RSUs, relocation package, stipend benefits.